A Machine Gift of Many Masks
In this series, I explore the many masks we wear when we interface with others via the medium of technology.
Each image is created from a single source self portrait artwork, run through a generative adversarial network with different parameters changed, some intentionally, some randomised.
The machine is responsible for if it comes out ugly, beautiful, angelic or demonic. Human control on the outcome is limited and the algorithms have taken charge - a reflection of the experience we all now have with our own image when we use computers and the internet, whether we realise it or not.
Computers & the internet have given us the ability to be anyone or anything we want to be. When we hide behind a screen we can wear any mask we want.
We can be bizarre, freaky, outrageous, wild and brave, and express ourselves in a way we would never dare to in the physical world.
We shed the conventions of society and break all the rules.
Some choose to be naked, and others pay to see.
So many choose to be beautiful, perfectly made up with symmetrical features and the hair we always wanted.
We can be sadistic, mean, narcissistic, dishonest and manipulative.
We can be evil, we can be good, and never get caught.
We can be anyone or anything we want to be - but is this a gift, or is this a curse?
Are we placing these masks upon our faces of our own free will?
How do we change when we wear them?
Who have we become when they are removed?
